Modular rough terrain vehicle

Abstract

A rough terrain vehicle including an elongated main frame for supporting a self-contained v-haul body; first and second forwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame; third and fourth rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame, each arm having a wheel mounted thereon. Also included are first and second cross members pivotably connected to the arms configured to enable the main frame and the frame arms to pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. First and second length-adjustable member operatively connected to the first frame arm and the third frame arm and the second frame arm and the fourth frame arm, respectively; selective movement of each length-adjustable member causing the associated arm to move up or down; and a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals to each of the length-adjustable members to maintain the elongated main frame in a relatively level orientation when the vehicle encounters uneven terrain.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to an automatic leveling vehicle used to keep the vehicle's operator level when traveling on uneven terrain, and more particularly, to an all terrain vehicle which supports and maintains an operator portion of the vehicle body in a relatively level position even when the vehicle is traveling along a slanted grade or uneven terrain.[0002]Many vehicles have been designed to operate off of improved roadways and over uneven terrain. Such vehicles typically include a rigid, parallel frame and a fixed wheelbase. When such a vehicle travels along a slanted grade or uneven terrain, the wheels on one side of the vehicle are lower than the wheels on the other side of the vehicle, so the vehicle body necessarily adopts a tilted orientation roughly equal to the slanted grade of the ground. The tilted orientation of the vehicle body can be quite uncomfortable and can cause fatigue for the driver and passengers, particularly when t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a rough terrain vehicle that can maintain a level position when driving over uneven terrain. The vehicle includes a main frame and two sets of frame arms that pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. The frame arms have rotatable wheels mounted on their distal ends. The vehicle also has a cross-member that connects the frame arms and a level detector to ensure that the main frame remains level. The vehicle can also be attached to a trailer for traveling over rough terrain. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a vehicle that can maintain a level position even when driving over uneven terrain."

Problems solved by technology

The tilted orientation of the vehicle body can be quite uncomfortable and can cause fatigue for the driver and passengers, particularly when the grade is steep.

There is also a danger the vehicle will roll over.

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